The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Diri orders mandatory health screening for cabinet after deputy governor’s death

Following the death of his deputy, Governor Douye Diri has directed all members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council to undergo a compulsory medical check-up.

The governor issued the directive through the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, during an executive council meeting in Yenagoa.

He stressed that public officials operate under demanding schedules, making routine health screening essential to ensure fitness and prevent avoidable fatalities.

Governor Diri said that while death remains an unavoidable reality, individuals can adopt preventive measures to safeguard their well-being and prolong life.

He disclosed that an autopsy on the late deputy governor had been completed, adding that the findings would be released at an appropriate time.

Reiterating his call for restraint, the governor warned against politicising the passing of the state’s number two official. He announced that a burial committee led by the Secretary to the State Government had been constituted, and that the funeral date would be communicated soon.

He said, “We thank everyone who grieved with us and pray that in 2026 we will celebrate and not mourn. All of us must be mindful of our health to prevent avoidable deaths. Members of the State Executive Council should go for a compulsory check-up. This directive must be carried out. I ordered an autopsy, and the result is ready. We will make it public at the right time. While we were mourning, some people chose to politicise the death of our deputy governor instead of showing compassion.”

At the meeting, the Commissioner for Health presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of $400,000 won by Bayelsa State as first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South-South region. The competition is supported by UNICEF, the Dangote Group, and other international partners.

Read Also: 2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

Governor Diri described the achievement as uplifting, noting that the administration’s investments in health were yielding tangible outcomes.

He added, “This is the best award we have received, and it comes with a financial reward. It reflects the exceptional performance of the Commissioner for Health. When you work hard, results follow.”

Prof. Brisibe credited the state’s recognition to the governor’s sustained commitment to strengthening the health sector.

He also presented to the governor the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa and Nigeria.

January 7, 2026
2027: Reps Deputy Speaker drums support for Tinubu, says Igbo must extend handshake to southwest

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has continued to drum up support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, saying supporting the President for a second term bid was in the best interest of the Igbo nation.

Kalu, who spoke while taking the President’s New Year message to political leaders in Abia state, said the people of the southeast must extend a hand of fellowship to the southwest by investing their votes wisely so they can expect the dividends of democracy.

He said the people of Abia State and Ndi Igbo in general should invest in their political future by supporting President Tinubu.

The Deputy Speaker said, “One of the messages I would like to pass to the people of Olokoro, to the people of Abia State, and to the Ndi Igbo is that it’s about time we started investing our votes, not wasting our votes. So, this is Operation Invest Your Votes, Don’t Waste Your Votes.

“It is about time the Igbos began to buy shares in our democracy, so that we can ask for dividends; and you buy shares in democracy through the number of our votes. The currency with which we purchase dividends in our democracy is called votes. The number of votes determines the number of dividends.

“Let us sow, so that we can reap. And at the moment, the best fertile ground for us to sow, as we enter into 2027, is the one that is within the southern political corridor. At the moment, what is in the southern political corridor is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We should not make the mistake of fighting ourselves. Let us have a handshake today, so that tomorrow they will return it.

“So, this is the message of the new year that I want us to take because by the next New Year, it will be too late. Let us have that mindset, the clarion call now is let us have a handshake with the south west, so that when our own time comes, we will ask them to return the match. If we fail now, it will be difficult.

“I know Ndi Igbo, the same strategy we have used in our businesses, in our trading, if we can adopt into our politics, we will go far, and I’m urging you, Ndi Olokoro, to stand with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who rewards hard work and loyalty.”

Speaking while visiting a former member of the Abia state House of Assembly, Chukwudi Apugo, Kalu asked the former Abia lawmaker to formally join the APC, saying it will boost the support base of the party in the State.

“I want to use this opportunity as well; I know you are not politicking now because you are back to your business, to invite you to join me in my party, the APC. That is where your father is. He is one of the Board of Trustees, one of the founding fathers of APC.

“We can’t do it alone. So, I’m inviting you to this ancestral land and saying, come, let us honour your father in APC. Come, let us change the narrative. We are inviting people. Those who listen to us will come. Those who will not listen will stay back. But the train has started moving. Like you said, only those who are wise must get there. Let us do this together,” he said.

In his remarks, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia state, Senator Chris Adighije expressed his appreciation for the visit, pledging the support of Olokoro Umuahia clan for the administration’s efforts to develop the country.

He said, “I am surprised, it really took me off guard. I’ve never been so taken before. Olokoro is made up of 17 autonomous communities; 16 of them are here; the overall President General of Olokoro is here.

“This message of goodwill from President Bola Tinubu has penetrated the entire Olokoro, and by the way, Olokoro is one of the three clans that make up Umuahia South. Olokoro has 4 large electoral wards. Ubakala, which is the other clan, has 3 wards. God has made it possible for you to come and visit me.

Read Also: 2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

“Last time, we got it wrong, and we should not repeat the same mistake. The only thing I will say to you is thank you very much, God will bless you, and He will prolong your life.”

Similarly, the former Abia State House of Assembly member, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, commended Kalu’s legislative efforts, saying the federal lawmaker has impacted the people of Abia State and Ndi Igbo in general, especially through the South East Development Commission Bill, which led to the establishment of the Commission.

He also pledged support for Kalu, encouraging him not to be deterred by any circumstances.

“You have done well as a person. You have done well. I’m not saying it because you are here. If you are not doing well, I will say it. You have empowered a lot of people. I watch you on television everyday and I see what you do. Perhaps, we wouldn’t have benefited if you were not from Abia State. That is the truth. You are highly respected in Nigeria. You are amongst the Igbo speaking for the region. Don’t be deterred. Continue with your good works.

“You have changed the narratives in Abia’s political landscape by galvanizing old and new politicians, paying courtesy visits to them. That is the right thing to do. I want to assure you of my support anytime, any day. You are doing well. You have attracted appointments for our people. We will follow you because you are on the right track,” Apugo said.

January 7, 2026
BREAKING: Super Eagles boycott Marrakech trip for Algeria game over unpaid bonuses

Players and coaches of the Super Eagles have reportedly refused to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture, citing unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed on X by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.

Nigeria, regarded as one of the standout teams at the ongoing tournament, has won all four of its matches and recorded the highest number of goals so far. The team is scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final clash of the 2025 AFCON on Saturday evening.

However, it is understood that bonuses for the four matches played have not been settled. The squad, led by coach Eric Chelle, defeated Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in the group stage before recording a 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Read Also: Super Eagles steamroll Mambas to book quarter-finals

In response to the unresolved payments, the players and technical crew have reportedly halted all travel and training plans.

This marks their second bonus-related strike in three months. During the November 2025 international break, the team also downed tools ahead of a crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon, although that dispute was resolved within 24 hours.

Details shortly…

January 7, 2026
Fubara spending Rivers’ funds illegally without budget – Ewor

A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, on Wednesday expressed concern that Rivers State does not have an appropriated budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Ewor expressed the concern during a “thank you” visit to Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

He explained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was yet to present the 2026 budget to the State Assembly for appropriation, adding that any spending of public funds without appropriation is illegal.

According to him, Fubara cannot effectively administer the state without synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

He added that the three arms of government must work together to be able to deliver the dividends of democracy for the people of the state.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in the state in March 2025 over the protracted political crisis and was listed in September of the same year.

Read Also: Wike faults Fubara over termination of 10,000 jobs for Rivers youths

Although the state’s Executive Council had on Jan. 2 approved a N1.85 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, it has not been submitted to the State Assembly for appropriation.

Earlier, Chairman of Ahoada East local Government Council of Rivers, Mr Solomon Ochoma, commended Wike for his commitment to grassroots engagement for inclusive governance and development.

Ochoma said that the visit demonstrated decisive action, institutional strength, and development, and would strengthen their resolve to remain united.

He pledged to realign with Wike’s vision for the prosperity of the LGA and the development of the state.

The Member representing Ahoada East I in the State Assembly, Queen William, thanked Wike for carrying women along throughout his tenure as governor in the state.

Williams added that the women of the LGA would continue to work with him and follow him wherever he goes.

January 7, 2026
Ex-NBA official killed in Abuja vehicle attack

A lawyer and former Treasurer of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chigbo Princess Mediatrix, has been reported dead.

According to an online platform, barristerng.com, her lifeless body was discovered by the roadside along the Kubwa expressway within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The platform said the discovery was made by a commuter heading to work, who noticed the body lying near the Dawaki area, opposite Gwarimpa Estate.

According to the platform, “preliminary findings suggest that the deceased may have fallen victim to suspected mobile armed robbers, popularly known as ‘one chance’ operators, who are notorious for targeting unsuspecting commuters within the Federal Capital Territory.

“Eyewitness accounts indicate that the circumstances surrounding her death point to a violent encounter.

“A handbag believed to belong to the deceased was found some distance away from her body, reinforcing suspicions that she may have been robbed and possibly pushed out of a moving vehicle.

“The incident has sent shockwaves across the legal community and the wider public, once again drawing attention to the persistent security threats faced by residents and commuters on major highways in Abuja.

The Nigeria Police Force, Dawaki Division, has been duly notified and has since taken custody of the body. Investigations into the cause and circumstances of her death are expected to commence immediately.

“The police have appealed to members of the public who may know the deceased or her family to come forward. Relatives are advised to contact the Nigeria Police Force, Dawaki Division, located opposite Gwarimpa Estate along the Kubwa Expressway, Abuja, for identification and further information.”

Meanwhile, a group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has expressed displeasure over the continuous daring operations being carried out by “one-chance armed robbers in the FCT.”

HURIWA said the development indicates a clear absence of any sort of preventive security strategy and a strange lack of political and competent leadership in the nation’s capital.

HURIWA said the federal government did not have to wait for these killings of citizens to continue unabated before a major political decision was made to appoint a much more focused, committed, non-partisan patriotic technocrat to provide good governance, security of lives and property, sustainable development, and tranquillity to the good people of the FCT.

It described the recent killing of two women in the FCT, including a nurse, by gangs of armed one-chance robbers as clear signs that those appointed to provide good governance, stability, and security of lives and property of the residents and citizens of the FCT are engaged in other external activities unrelated to the core objectives of the essence of their appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group recalled that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Federal Health Institutions Sector on Tuesday expressed heartbreak over the killing of Nurse Chinemerem Chukwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

HURIWA stated that the killing of this Nurse and many others could have been prevented if the political authorities in the FCT were made up of persons of dedicated service and by non-political administrators committed to delivering selfless services to citizens of Nigeria resident and engaging in lawful business activities in the FCT.

It added, “But, as it has become notorious, those assigned with the onerous task of protecting the lives and property of Abuja residents are totally distracted by the politics of the next year’s general election, thereby neglecting their primary responsibility as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.”

The group recalled that it was not just one person but indeed two women who were found dead in separate locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in incidents suspected to be linked to the activities of notorious “one chance” criminal gangs operating within Nigeria’s capital.

One of the victims, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, was a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, whose killing subsequently drew condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council.

The second victim, identified as Princess Ochigbo, was said to be found lying lifeless by the roadside, with indications suggesting she might also have fallen victim to “one chance” hoodlums.

In the statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint Mr. Nyesom Wike as his Director General for his presidential bid for 2027 so that a fresh, competent, totally focused professional administrator and technocrat is appointed to provide the much desired governance standards in the FCT, given that the lives of citizens are no longer safe

The group wonders why the security forces in the FCT seemed to have gone to sleep and have proved to be incapable or unwilling to map out an effective preventive security strategy to curb the incessant cases of bloody attacks by one chance armed robbers in the FCT.

Read Also: Police begin investigation into killing of nurse, lawyer in Abuja

The group said the government should give the citizens the right and licences to carry military-grade AK-49 guns to protect themselves because the right to self-defence is constitutionally imperative and indeed provided for in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution under Section 33, which is binding and enforceable.

HURIWA recalled that globally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 is essentially, is the foundation and the fundamental of contemporary human rights law, including the right to life.

It added that in Nigeria, the right to life as a constitutionally guaranteed right is protected under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended). While Section 33 strongly affirms the sanctity of life, its subsections 2(a) (b)(c) provide certain exceptions which legal scholars say pose formidable challenges to the absolute nature of this right.

HURIWA argued that since the FCT administration has demonstrated a clear absence of any sort of preventive security strategy to curb the constant killings of residents by one chance robbers and other armed criminal non-state actors, the president should direct that citizens be granted the legal permits to bear arms for self-defence.

January 7, 2026
Wike faults Fubara over termination of 10,000 jobs for Rivers youths

…as Nwuche, others back Tinubu’s second term bid

Following the continuation of his visit to the Local Government Area of Rivers State, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, alleged that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, cancelled an employment procedure put in place by his administration to employ 10, 000 youths.

Wike said his successor (Fubara), upon resumption, cancelled what could have helped the youths of the state.

He spoke at Ahoada main Town, during the Renewed Hope Family’s ‘Thank you visit’ to Ahoada East Local Government Area.

Wike, who described Fubara as a ‘bad child’, knocked him for taking glory on projects he started in the Ahoada and Emohua areas.

He faulted the governor for claiming the construction of the Ahoada-Omoku and Emohua-Kalabari Road, which he said he had made 70% payment before handing over.

Wike said, “When I decided to dualize this Ahoada road, people thought it was impossible. But by the grace of God, today, Ahoada East, Ahoada Town, is coming back to be the city it is supposed to be. I finished phase one of this dualization.

“Then I flagged off phase two, which would end up in Omoku. The job was given the same day as Emohua’s job in the Kalabari area. I gave it to Julius Berger, and we signed an agreement for Julius Berger to collect N4 billion every month from our IGR. The total amount of that road, and the one from Emohua to the Kalabari area, was about N80 billion. So, I said, if they collect four billion every month, that would give them 48 billion. That in two years’ time, they would have completed.

“Today, I hear people are making noise. They even forgot who laid the foundation. On that road, I gave it to Setraco. I paid about 70%. I remember that day, they gave me 100 plots of land. I said, thank you, I don’t need land there. What is continuity?

“I employed Rivers State youths, 10,000. The person we handed over power to, instead of allowing the 10,000 youths, he cancelled that job. 10,000 youths. A bad child is a bad child.”

Wike recalled that when he was the governor, Rivers was the envy of other states of the federation, bemoaning that Fubara failed to continue with his legacies.

The minister said, “I handed over, see where I stopped. Please, make sure you continue with this programme that will make our state one of the respected states in this country. When I was here, you know, Nigeria used to respect us. I don’t know what it is today; you will tell me. I didn’t make mistakes; we never made mistakes.”

The Chairman of South South Development Commission (SSDC), and Leader of the Renewed Hope Family in Ahoada, Rt Hon Chibudom Nwuche, applauded Wike for the numerous projects he has attracted to Ahoada and commended him for the sacrifice he made on the instructions to support Bola Tinubu and elect the Rivers State Governor.

He emphasised that Fubara was elected as governor based on instruction.

He added in the same way that the state voted Bola Tinubu as president, promising that Ahoada will always back Tinubu.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives promised that the people would always exhibit their loyalty to Wike.

Read Also: Police: cleric under probe over alleged plan to attack Wike

He disclosed that no governor has ever shown commitment to the development of Ahoada like Wike.

He said politics is local, urging those interfering in Rivers’ politics to steer clear, and concentrate on delivering Tinubu in their respective states.

He said, “Therefore, wherever you go, we shall go there. And may I offer some advice to some interlopers? Politics is local. Go to your states and show your strength. Leave Rivers State alone. Rivers State has its own peculiar politics, which we all understand.

“We are a political family. When a leader chooses one of us, we expect that the person will show gratitude and work with the entire team. When you divide a team, that is not how to show gratitude.

“So please, those who are interfering, mind your business. Go and show your strength in your various states. Go and win your state for the president, if you can.”

The supporters of the minister were seen cheering him and his entourage.

January 7, 2026
Osun 2026: APC SWC rallies Omisore, Babayemi, other guber aspirants to close ranks for victory

Ahead of the Osun State 2026 governorship election slated for August 8, the State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rallied the eight gubernatorial aspirants to close ranks and work as a united front ahead of the poll.

The party declared that the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the party’s flagbearer sent jitters into the ruling party’s camp.

A statement by the party’s Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, on Wednesday disclosed that, raising from APC maiden meeting in the New Year, the state chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal, was full of praises for the eight governorship aspirants of the party who embraced the emergence of the choice of Oyebamiji without resorting to crisis, rancour, and animosity.

He said, “Lawal also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the leadership of Agba Osun, and other important personalities whose roles manifested in the successful emergence of one out of all the qualified governorship aspirants of the party.

“The successful conduct of the party’s governorship election, which culminated in the seamless emergence of Asiwaju Oyebamiji, has sent jitters into the camp of the ruling party and others, as their hitherto sing-song had been that the exercise would be a recipe for imminent implosion.

“Lawal explained that the prevalent peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the party today is due to the successful conduct of the governorship primary election, which was made possible by the embracement of the culture of supremacy of the party by the eight notable aspirants.

Read Also: Osun 2026: Bola Oyebamiji in the spotlight

“He stated that the names of the eight governorship aspirants who did not allow their aspirations to bring down the roof of the party shall be written in gold in the political history of the party in the state.”

“Otunba Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor, one-time Senator and former National Secretary of the APC; Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a legal practitioner and businessman; Mr. Benedict Olugbenga Alabi, former state deputy governor; Dr. Akinde Akanmu Ogunbiyi, an insurance magnate; Mr. Kunle Rasheed Adegoke(SAN), a reputable and successful legal practitioner.

“Also, Mr. Babajide Omoworare, a legal practitioner, former senator, former House of Assembly member in Lagos State, and former aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari; Dr Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, former member of the state House of Assembly, and Mr. Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, a development financier, as the governorship aspirants are responsible for sustaining peace in the party.”

“He enjoined the aspirants to continue to inform their lieutenants and supporters on the need for the party to go into the 8th August, 2026, governorship election as an indivisible and impenetrable team with a view to winning the election and chasing Governor Ademola Adeleke back to his Ede country home.”

The statement added that both formal and informal reconciliation exercises are ongoing in the party, but it was imperative for him to single out the governorship aspirants who have proven by their actions and inactions that they are complete party men, come rain or shine.

January 7, 2026
Police kill suspected kidnapper, arrest gunrunners, drug barons in Delta

The Delta State Police Command, through the operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), has recorded major operational successes in its sustained offensive against kidnapping, violent crime, and illegal arms trafficking across the state and adjoining states.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing on the Command’s achievements since his assumption of office as the 23rd CP.

CP Adesola said acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives dismantled a notorious inter-state kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating across Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.

He said the operation recorded a major breakthrough on December 29, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the arrest of Abubakar Mohammed (male, adult).

The CP said following interrogation, the suspect led operatives to concealed arms dumps in Bayelsa and Delta states.

He said at Tombia Village, Amasoma area of Airport Road, Bayelsa State, operatives recovered: one (1) AK-47 rifle, seventy-six (76) rounds of live ammunition, and two (2) AK-47 magazines.

Adesola said further recovery was made at Uyamuge Forest, Ughelli–Warri axis, at about 1801 hours on January 2, 2026, where the following were recovered: one (1) K-2 rifle

Forty-nine (49) rounds of live ammunition, three (3) K-2 magazines, one (1) pump-action gun, and thirty-two (32) live cartridges.

He explained that in total, the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one K-2 rifle, one pump-action gun, one hundred and fifty-seven (157) rounds of ammunition, and five (5) magazines.

He said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the syndicate.

In another development, CP Adesola said on January 6, 2026, CP-SAT operatives, acting on actionable intelligence, stormed Ohoror Community along the Ughelli–Patani Road, where suspected kidnappers were sighted.

He said upon contact, the suspects engaged the police in a gun duel.

He said during the exchange, one suspect sustained fatal gunshot injuries, noting that a search of the area led to the recovery of one (1) K-2 rifle, two (2) locally made guns, live ammunition, and cartridges.

He said the injured suspect was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead by the attending doctor, stressing that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspect(s).

The Police commissioner said that in another intelligence-led operation, CP-SAT operatives carried out a sting operation at about 1915 hours on January 3, 2026, at Ovieta Street, Ughelli Town, leading to the arrest of three suspected gun runners and armed robbers during an illegal arms transaction.

According to CP Adesola, the suspects arrested are Areuro Oke (male, 38 years) – intended buyer, Onos Echabor (male, 47 years) – middleman, and Akpofure Emmanuel (male, 45 years).

He said items recovered during the operation were: one (1) pump-action gun and ₦280,000, being part payment for the illegal arms deal.

Adesola stated: “The suspects are in custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the firearm and apprehend other collaborators.

“The Delta State Police Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.”

The CP further said that on January 3 and 5, 2026, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), acting on intelligence, stormed and raided a black spot located at New Road by Ewereto Junction, Sapele, and Agofure Park in Effurun Roundabout, Warri, Delta State, where some suspected drug barons were arrested.

He said the barons were identified as Bemigho Omoghomi, aged 28, Onoriode Samuel, aged 46 years, and two other suspects.

He said large quantities of illicit drugs were recovered from them, stressing that suspects are in Custody and the investigation is ongoing.

Read Also: Police deploy additional security formation to rescue abducted nursing mother, baby in Ondo

CP Adesola added, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Area Command Effurun stormed the shop of one Chioma Ada Ifuwe Wanogho along Sapele-Warri road and recovered forty-five (45) wraps of weeds suspected to be loud, SK, and a bag of dry weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.

“Suspect, who has been in the business for about four years, was arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.”

He reassured members of the public of the police’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping, violent crime, proliferation of illegal firearms, and other vices within the State.

Adesola urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely, useful, and credible information, while warning criminal elements that all forms of criminality would be met with decisive and lawful action.

He equally advised parents and guardians to caution and monitor their children and wards, admonish and encourage them to stay away from crime.

January 7, 2026
JUST IN: Court grants EFCC’s request for temporary forfeiture of Malami’s 57 property

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the temporary forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities associated with the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and moved by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

An enrolled copy of the order, seen on Wednesday, revealed that the affected landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

In the ruling, Justice Nwite said, “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made, forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

The judge ordered the EFCC to publish the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily to invite “any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

The judge proceeded to adjourn the matter until January 27 for the EFCC to report on compliance with the order for publication.

According to court documents filed by the EFCC, the affected property includes:

*Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5, 950, 000, 000);

*Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7, 000, 000, 000.00.

*Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850, 000, 000. 00 with additional N300, 000, 000 to take possession (value after completion N8, 400, 000, 000).

*Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in Jan. 2021 at N360, 000, 000.00.

*Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (MEETHAQ HOTELS LTD, MAITAMA WITH 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in Feb. 2018 at N430, 000, 000.00 (current value after rehabilitation is N12, 950, 000, 000).

*Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (NO. 11A YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT) ASOKORO DISTRICT, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325, 000, 000.00.

*SHOP NO. C82 CITISCAPE — SHARIFF PLAZA, PLOT 739 CADASTRAL ZONE A07, AMINU KANO CRESCENT, WUSE Il, FCT, ABUJA, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120, 000, 000.00.

*NO. 4 AHMADU BELLO WAY, NASARAWA GRA, KANO, which was purchased in Dec. 2022 at N300, 000, 000. 00

*PLOT 157, LAMIDO CRESCENT, NASARAWA, GRA, KANO, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

*A PLAZA, COMMERCIAL TOILETS, LAUNDERING, WAREHOUSE TANKS ADJACENT TO BIRNIN KEBBI MARKET, which was purchased in 2021 at N100, 000, 000.00.

*100 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG BRININ KEBBI, JEGA ROAD, which was purchased in 2020 at N100, 000, 000.00.

*4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW GESSE PHASE, BIRNIN KEBBI, which was purchased in 2023 at N101, 000, 000.00.

*SHOPS NOS. A36, B3 VEGAS MALL, WUSE 2, ABUJA, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158, 000, 000.00.

*NO. 26, BABBI DRIVE, BUA ESTATE, ABUJA, purchased in 2022 at N136, 000, 000.00.

*NO. 27, EFAB ESTATES AVENUE, 59™ CRESCENT, GWARIMPA, ABUJA, purchased in Jan. 2016 at N120, 000, 000.00.

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*4 BEDROOM/ 2 ROOMS BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 10B, DOKA CRESCENT ABAKPA GRA, KADUNA, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

*PLOT NO. 13, IPENT 7 ESTATE, KARSANA DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased in June 2018 at N85, 000, 000.00.

*A BEDROOM DUPLEX & BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 12 YALINGA STREET, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE Il, ABUJA, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150, 000, 000.00.

*TWO WAREHOUSE SHOPS B40 AND B46, WUSE MARKET, ABUJA, purchased in July 2020 at N50, 000, 000.00.

*TWIN HOUSES AT ZONE E, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, CADASTRAL ZONE B01, PLOT 14014, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA, it was purchased between Feb and May 2017 at N250, 000, 000.00.

*Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely.

Others are nine units of three-bedroom, bungalow, three units of two-bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2023 at N187, 000, 000.00, among other assets listed in the schedule.

January 7, 2026
43 bags First Class as Fountain University graduates 508 students

…varsity won £83,400 foreign research grants

…we’re converting our research outcomes to products, influence govt policies—VC

No fewer than 43 students of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, bagged First Class Degree Honours as the institution graduated 508 in various degrees at the 15th convocation ceremony.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ramota Karim, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, ahead of the ceremony scheduled for January 16th 2026.

She stated that of 426 students who graduated with their First Degrees, “43 bagged First Class Honours, 190 got Second Upper, 135 secured Second Class Lower, while 51 graduated with Third Class and 7 of the graduands finished with Pass.”

The VC added that the varsity also graduated 81 Postgraduate students, including one institution’s first Ph.D student from the Department of Biological Science (Microbiology option).

She also said that 32 maiden students of the school’s Law Programme met the requirements to gain admission into the Nigerian Law School.

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Prof Karim highlighted the achievements made by the school, saying, “Research output and grant attraction recorded remarkable growth during the session. Professor Nusrah Afolabi-Balogun, in collaboration with Dr. Sarah Pensa of the University of Cambridge, secured additional international research funding totalling £83,400.”

She also disclosed that the school executed capital projects totalling N2.7billion, including roads, a 180-bedded hostel, a 500-seater hall, among others.

Speaking about the Federal government’s mandating upload of research work to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) portal, the VC said “the school, through our Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology, is working to convert our research outcomes to products and influence govt policies.”

January 7, 2026